The Chris Page Scholarship

MEng Mechanical Engineering student, James Hatcher, has received support this year through the University sports scholarship scheme to support his development as a GB Windsurfer. He has competed this year internationally, as well as winning Gold for Exeter in the BUCS national competition.

As part of his training James has been focusing on a new windsurfing discipline of “foiling” where some wings are added to the tip of the fin, lifting the kit up and out of the water. In addition to training hard, James has also been able to bring foiling into his academic studies and is completing his dissertation which looks at redesigning the joints used on the wings to make the equipment more adjustable. With the new discipline looking set to be a big contender for the equipment used in the 2024 Olympic Games, developments like these explored in James’s research, will be crucial in bringing the kit up to specification.

James’ scholarship has been made possible thanks to the generosity of alumni Roger (Mathematics, 1966) and Patricia (Physics, 1966) Peek, in memory of alumnus Chris Page (Mathematics, 1965) who passed away in 2011. James says: “The support I receive through the scholarship fund is a massive help in enabling me to develop in my sport alongside my academic progress. Balancing being a student and trying to succeed at high performance sport (against full time athletes) is a challenge, so the support I receive is invaluable, enabling me to make the most of my University experience.” 

 

Photo credit: Jon Ashworth insta@team.newwave